Las Vegas is a dream destination for many travelers, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only does this iconic city have more attractions than you can shake a stick at, but it also receives high praise from visitors — some 87% of people surveyed said they were ‘very satisfied’ with their experience. Add that to the 11% who were ‘somewhat satisfied,’ and you have a destination that seemingly everyone enjoys.
Still, while those percentages might be reasons enough to book a trip, keep in mind that Las Vegas isn’t exactly as it’s depicted in popular culture. Below, we’ll run through a few misconceptions to know about the city before you make your trip.
It’s a Small City
Most people see that the city’s main attractions are all located on a single street — the Las Vegas Strip — and assume that it’s a small city. You can still have that impression as the plane makes its descent down into Harry Reid International Airport since all you can see is what appears to be one long block of buildings.
Once you get downtown, however, you’ll notice just how big the city is. The Strip alone is more than four miles long and would take around four hours to walk from top to bottom. The size of the city plus the complexity of moving from one hotel to the next means you’ll likely take taxis every time you go anywhere.
The Games Are the Same as Elsewhere
Everyone knows that Las Vegas is the casino capital of the world. But not everybody knows that the games they offer in Sin City are often different from what you’ll find elsewhere. The most obvious example is roulette; if you’re used to playing European roulette, you might be surprised by the American version they offer in Las Vegas casinos. Online websites like PokerStars Casino have both variations available, allowing travelers to see the difference before they head to the airport. Blackjack is also slightly different in Las Vegas than elsewhere, though not in a way that the player would notice — in Vegas, they use 6-8 decks of cards, significantly more than the two decks used in other places.
It’s Expensive
Since it’s one of the world’s most visited destinations, and it’s in a desert no less, people often assume that Las Vegas is an expensive place to visit. But the truth is more nuanced. It certainly can be an expensive destination, but you can still have an amazing time even if you’re keeping an eye on the budget. Hotel rooms are surprisingly affordable, and there are plenty of free attractions throughout the city, too. The sheer number of restaurants means there are always deals to be had as well.
The City Is the Only Place to Be
Sure, you might be visiting Las Vegas, but that doesn’t mean that you should spend all your time there. It’s a relatively remote city, and that makes newcomers believe that there’s nothing else worth seeing.
If you don’t like world-class nature, then you would be correct. But let’s be honest: everyone loves jaw-dropping views. Nearby to Las Vegas, you’ll find Lake Mead, Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston, and Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, all of which are worth a visit. And then there’s Grand Canyon National Park, which is just as much a crown jewel of the nation as it is of the region. You can get there by car in about 3.5 hours, or you can take a helicopter ride from downtown Las Vegas.
It’s Warm All Year Round
Finally, the weather. Las Vegas gets more than 320 days of sunshine a year, and that makes people think that it’s warm all year round. It’s worth remembering that ‘sunshine’ does not always equal ‘warm.’ In the winter months, the temperatures can dip to around 57 degrees Fahrenheit during the day — and at night, they can reach a chilly 37 F. If you’re planning to visit during that time, be sure to pack some layers.
